This two-story Barnes & Noble bookstore is among 39 new retailers included in the 300,000-square-feet expansion nearing completion at The Shops at La Cantera. While the bookstore itself will not open until spring, 18 other new retailers will open for business Oct. 24. Photo by Mike Reeder

By Mike Reeder
Staff Writer

Construction is nearing completion on the 300,000-square-foot phase two expansion at the Shops at La Cantera, with the new wing on schedule to open to the public Oct. 24.

The latest addition includes 18 additional retail stores, including 11 national merchants opening their first stores in San Antonio, along with 40,000 square feet of office space overlooking the area’s main street and pedestrian walkways.

“I think it’s going to make this whole area more dynamic,” said Aimee Braswell, senior marketing manager at The Shops at La Cantera.

“You always hear of Dallas and Houston and even Austin getting all the top retailers. Now, San Antonio’s positioned to be in that lineup as far as attracting these key retailers.”

The list of new retailers opening this month includes apparel and accessory stores Urban Outfitters, Free People, Gilley Hicks, aerie, American Apparel, Metropark, J. Crew, Coldwater Creek, United Colors of Benetton, Gymboree, Jos. A. Bank, Francesca’s, Solstice and Vans shoes. Toni & Guy hair salon and OrangeCup yogurt round out the October lineup.

Additional openings are planned through 2009, including a two-story Barnes & Noble bookstore, Zara fashions, and eateries Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Paciugo, Yard House and Jasper’s.

“From our research, we’ve found that people like to dine and shop,” Braswell said. “They want to have a family atmosphere and family experience and I think that’s what we provide.”

A construction worker gets a bird’s eye view of the new wing of retail stores that will begin opening at The Shops at La Cantera. Photo by Mike Reeder

“We took the heritage of the Hill Country and brought it into the shopping environment,” Braswell said. “We took the trees from the existing area, preserved them at a tree farm and replanted them into the expansion.”

Braswell said retail traffic and sales at the center remain strong in the face of the slowing national economy. She added that none of the new tenants have altered their plans because of economic concerns.

She says the expansion itself is an indication that San Antonio, and particularly the area around La Cantera, remain insulated from the national downturn. In fact, the expansion itself provided 300 construction jobs, with more employment opportunities becoming available as new retailers open their doors.

“We’re still moving forward and we really are still going strong,” Braswell said. “Our lease team was just here talking to (new tenants) and they’re still coming, so we feel positive about that. And with sales still strong everything’s still on track.”